Disney's live-action Moana opens with disappointing box office numbers

Briefly summarized

• Disney's live-action Moana grossed $95 million worldwide during its opening weekend.
• Domestic revenue is estimated at $43 million, while international revenue is around $52 million.
• Those numbers are only slightly better than the recent Snow White remake, which brought in $87.3 million.

Disney's live-action remake of Moana, which hit theaters on July 12, 2026, has opened below expectations. With an estimated budget of $250 million, the film is already in trouble, as its earnings are nowhere near what it needs to become profitable. The movie has earned $95 million globally, with $43 million from the U.S. and $52 million internationally. It's a worrying trend for Disney, which has already faced disappointing results from other live-action remakes.

GAME-scanner analysis

Moana's opening is a clear sign that audiences are becoming more critical of Disney's live-action remakes. Despite the popularity of the original animated film, the magic of the franchise doesn't seem to be carrying over to the new version. The numbers are not only disappointing, but they also raise questions about the future of other planned remakes, such as Tangled. Disney now has to think carefully about its next steps, especially given the huge investments going into these projects.

What does this mean for players?

For Disney fans and gamers hoping for a strong narrative experience in future remakes, this could be a sign that Disney needs to rethink its approach. Moana's disappointing performance may affect the development of other projects, which means the quality and creativity of future releases will be crucial to winning back audiences.

Related GAME-scanner articles

Final Fantasy 7: important dates and new storylines in the remake trilogy